METUPUK

UK’s only metastatic breast cancer patient advocacy charity. Led by patients, for patients. Focused on the unmet needs of people living with MBC.

[METUPUK @METUPUKorg]

Supporting someone with MBC doesn’t require grand gestures.

It starts with listening.
It continues with believing.
And it shows in small, specific acts of help.

If you’ve ever wondered “What can I do?” - this is your guide.

Tag someone who shows up. Or be that person for someone today.

#LivingWithMets #MetastaticBreastCancer #MBC #METUPUK #SecondaryBreastCancerSupport

[METUPUK @METUPUKorg]

Today we remember Jo Taylor - founder of METUPUK, passionate advocate, and a powerful voice for those living with Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC).💜

Jo started METUPUK to ensure that people with MBC are seen, heard, and properly represented in research and funding. Her courage turned personal challenge into national impact.

We honour her by continuing the mission she began, improving and extending lives through awareness, advocacy and access to treatments.

#DarkerSideOfPink #MetastaticBreastCancer #MBC #METUPUK #SecondaryBreastCancer

[METUPUK @METUPUKorg]

Early recognition of metastatic symptoms matters.
Recognising symptoms sooner can help reduce diagnostic delays, improve symptom management, and protect quality of life.

MBC can cause a wide range of symptoms, depending on where it spreads and many can be subtle or easy to explain away. But persistent, new, or worsening symptoms should always be taken seriously.

Earlier recognition can influence treatment options, support earlier symptom control, and give people the time and care they deserve.

Trust your instincts. You know your body.
#MetastaticBreastCancer #MBC #EarlyRecognition #KnowTheSigns #METUPUK

[METUPUK @METUPUKorg]

Friends Not Forgotten 💗

This month we remember Emily Roberts who died four years ago on February 7th 2022. Emily was just 29 when she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in July 2020.

Diagnosed during the first COVID lockdown, Emily’s world changed in an instant. What began as a lump led to scans, silence in the room, and then the devastating discovery that her cancer had already spread to her liver. Her treatment plan shifted overnight - from hope of a cure to lifelong treatment.

Emily was a mum to three young girls and faced her diagnosis with honesty, courage, and determination. She campaigned tirelessly for more research, more funding, and far greater awareness of metastatic breast cancer - a reality too many people still don’t understand.

Emily wanted people to know that secondary/metastatic breast cancer exists, and that it urgently needs attention. We remember her today, and we continue to fight for the change she believed in.

💗 Always remembered. Never forgotten.

#FriendsNotForgotten #DarkerSideOfPink #MetastaticBreastCancer #MBC

[METUPUK @METUPUKorg]

A diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer changes every part of life - physically, emotionally, psychologically, and intimately.

While many treatment side effects are discussed openly, the impact on sexual health and intimacy is still too often left in the shadows. Endocrine therapies, medically induced menopause, and ongoing treatments can profoundly affect desire, comfort, confidence, and connection - yet many women are left navigating these changes without adequate information or support.

Sexual wellbeing is an important part of holistic care, identity, and quality of life. Intimacy, pleasure, and connection still matter after an MBC diagnosis. Acknowledging this does not diminish gratitude for life - it affirms it.

We need honest, compassionate conversations at the point of diagnosis and throughout treatment. We need clinicians to proactively address these side effects, providing guidance and signposts to support, rather than waiting for patients to initiate conversations about these deeply personal matters.

Breaking the silence around sex and MBC is important. When we talk openly, we reduce stigma, empowering patients with knowledge, and creating care that truly treats the whole person.
#SexAndIntimacy #MetastaticBreastCancer #CancerAndIntimacy

[METUPUK @METUPUKorg]

Lobular breast cancer can behave very differently to other types of breast cancer - especially when it spreads.

It can metastasise to less commonly recognised areas such as the gastrointestinal tract, ovaries, or even around the eyes, and its symptoms are often subtle, unfamiliar, or easily dismissed. This can make disease progression harder to recognise and delay vital treatment.

Today, we’re sharing our lobular breast cancer infographics alongside our volunteer Helen’s story, in which she shares her experience of lobular breast cancer spreading around her eye - and why being familiar with the specific signs and symptoms is so important.

Knowing the differences matters. Awareness saves time, and time matters.
Please help us share this message.

#METUPUK #SecondaryBreastCancer #DarkerPink #LobularBreastCancer

[METUPUK @METUPUKorg]

Almost a year after meeting Ashley Dalton MP, on World Cancer Day 2025, we’re reminded of her strength, honesty and unwavering commitment to the MBC community. Living with metastatic breast cancer herself, Ashley uses her platform to push for patient‑centred policy and challenge outdated assumptions about what it means to live with incurable cancer. She embodies the “golden thread” of patient empowerment in the new National Cancer Plan and to us, she’s the ultimate modern poster girl for #busylivingwithmets.

[METUPUK @METUPUKorg]

Almost a year after meeting Ashley Dalton MP, on World Cancer Day 2025, we’re reminded of her strength, honesty and unwavering commitment to the MBC community. Living with metastatic breast cancer herself, Ashley uses her platform to push for patient‑centred policy and challenge outdated assumptions about what it means to live with incurable cancer. She embodies the “golden thread” of patient empowerment in the new National Cancer Plan and to us, she’s the ultimate modern poster girl for #busylivingwithmets.

[METUPUK @METUPUKorg]

Yesterday, the Government released the new National Cancer Plan for England and at 80+ pages, it’s a lot to digest. Starting today, we’re breaking it down for the Metastatic Breast Cancer community. There’s good news, and there are areas where time will tell. Some deadlines are incredibly ambitious with changes promised in just two months. More detail coming soon, as we unpack what this means for people living with MBC.

METUPUK is deeply honoured to see our founder Jo, and the work of METUPUK, recognised in the Ministerial Foreword by Ashley Dalton MP. Jo’s family and all of us at METUPUK are incredibly proud to see her dedication acknowledged at this national level. How we wish she were here to witness this moment. #NationalCancerPlan #CancerPlan #MetastaticBreastCancer

[METUPUK @METUPUKorg]

This #WorldCancerDay, we’re taking part in the Upside Down Challenge to highlight what millions of people experience - cancer completely turning their world upside down. A small action can help spread awareness and ensure our voices are heard.

Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) is a disease that affects every individual who is diagnosed with it, differently. Its mental, emotional and physical  impact is unique to that person.

On World Cancer Day we are united by our uniqueness but also by the ability this disease has to turn our world upside down. We stand together in our call for a person-centred approach to the management of MBC, a disease that kills 31 women in the UK daily.
@Worldcancerday4
#UnitedByUnique #CancerAwareness #WorldCancerDay2026 #Cancer

[METUPUK @METUPUKorg]

We’re proud to see one of our volunteers’ voices included in this important new research.

Studies like this are vital in helping to uncover inequalities, improve understanding, and shape better care for people living with metastatic breast cancer.

Thank you to everyone working to ensure lived experience is at the heart of research and change.
#MBC #MetastaticBreastCancer #VolunteerSpotlight #Stage4NeedsMore #Research

[METUPUK @METUPUKorg]

We’re proud to see one of our volunteers’ voices included in this important new research.

Studies like this are vital in helping to uncover inequalities, improve understanding, and shape better care for people living with metastatic breast cancer.

Thank you to everyone working to ensure lived experience is at the heart of research and change.
#MBC #MetastaticBreastCancer #VolunteerSpotlight #Stage4NeedsMore #Research

[METUPUK @METUPUKorg]

It’s the 2nd of the month - a moment to pause, breathe, and tune in to your body.

Our #SecondsOnThe2nd post is back to spotlight the lesser-known signs of Metastatic Breast Cancer - symptoms that are often overlooked, misinterpreted, or dismissed altogether.

If you’ve had primary breast cancer, or support someone who has, these signs are important to know. Earlier recognition can mean earlier treatment and better management.

Swipe through, share, and help us keep awareness moving forward.
#SecondsOnThe2nd #MetastaticBreastCancer #MBC #SecondaryBreastCancer #KnowTheSigns

[METUPUK @METUPUKorg]

We’re proud to share this episode of Bridging the Gap, featuring Kirstin Spencer - one of our incredible volunteers.

A patient advocate for METUPUK and a patient expert for NICE and SMC, Kirstin brings powerful insight shaped by lived experience. After her own breast cancer journey, she’s dedicated her life to closing the gaps in care between primary and secondary diagnoses and raising awareness of metastatic breast cancer.

An essential listen: https://t.co/wrXFRbUtkC 🎧
#METUPUK #MBC #MetastaticBreastCancer #Stage4NeedsMore #VolunteerSpotlight

[METUPUK @METUPUKorg]

METUPUK have been exhibiting and attending sessions at the UKIBCS earlier this week. The UK Interdisciplinary Breast Cancer Symposium takes place every two years. It is a key event that brings together researchers, clinicians, and patient advocates to shape the future of breast cancer care.

Experts from across disciplines share breakthroughs in breast cancer research, treatment innovations and metastatic disease insights. Being part of this conversation matters and we’re proud to bring the voices of patients and lived experience into the room. Some of the highlights from the two day conference included:

- Recent advances in ER+ HER2- metastatic breast cancer
- Dormancy/late relapse -recognising those in our community who are diagnosed with distant recurrence more than a decade later
- Novel forms of drug delivery; Antibody Drug Conjugates and beyond - mind blowing research by Professor Jenny Hiscock about a new way to deliver medicines to cells with potential applications in both oncology and infectious disease medicine
- The emerging role of ctDNA in early detection and treatment of late metastases
- Translational research - Radiomics, AI and machine learning using MRI and Ultrasound to predict risk of recurrence
- Networking with colleagues from other charities

#UKIBCS26 #BreastCancerResearch #BreastCancerCare

[METUPUK @METUPUKorg]

Myth vs Fact 💬

Metastatic breast cancer doesn’t look the same for everyone. While some areas are more common, spread can vary depending on the type of breast cancer.
Knowledge matters, and so does understanding the nuances - this is why Jo’s Red Flag Infographics were developed separately for Lobular and Ductal.
We share the signs and symptoms of metastatic breast cancer on the 2nd of every month as part of #SecondsOnThe2nd.

#MetastaticBreastCancer #MBC #MythVsFact #SecondaryBreastCancer #Stage4NeedsMore

[METUPUK @METUPUKorg]

On Blue Monday, we’re sharing a moment of calm.

This guided meditation by @lauraashurst_lwh acts as a gentle reminder that alongside treatment, mental wellbeing is important too.

Please save and use this meditation whenever you feel you would benefit from it.
#GuidedMeditation #Meditation #BlueMonday #Wellbeing #Mbc

[METUPUK @METUPUKorg]

Stepping forward after the death of dear friends takes immense courage.
Sue’s words remind us that advocacy doesn’t end with one voice - it carries on through those who believe deeply in the work and the people behind it.

We are so grateful to Sue Thomas for carrying Tassia’s work forward in Wales with care, integrity, and determination, and for honouring a legacy that continues to shape better outcomes for those living with MBC.

Tassia’s impact lives on - in every conversation, every campaign, and every step forward. 🤍

#METUPUK #MBC #MetastaticBreastCancer #Stage4NeedsMore #VolunteerSpotlight

[METUPUK @METUPUKorg]

Today would have been Jo’s 57th birthday. We’re holding space for the memories, the laughter, and the joy she shared so freely with everyone around her. Jo’s light continues to shine through the community she built and the lives she touched.

While her impact and legacy are extraordinary, today is about remembering the fun, light-hearted Jo who reminded us to find moments of joy, even on the hardest days. 🤍
#JoTaylor #METUPUK #MBC #MetastaticBreastCancer #Stage4NeedsMore

[METUPUK @METUPUKorg]

Following the heartbreaking death of our founder Jo Taylor, in early November, METUPUK has faced one of its most difficult decisions, appointing a new Chair to lead us forward. This appointment has been made in consultation with Jo’s family, ensuring her legacy remains at the heart of everything we do.

We’re proud to share that Laura Ashurst, a dedicated volunteer since 2021 and Trustee since March 2025, has accepted the role of Chair. This moment carries deep emotion, but also hope for the future of our mission.

As we step into 2026, Jo’s voice and vision will continue to inspire us. Please join us in welcoming Laura to the helm.

We are METUPUK. We stand together.

#MetastaticBreastCancer #MBC #SecondaryBreastCancer #METUPUK #FriendsNotForgotten